Coffee Jelly

Japanese Coffee Jelly Recipe | Vegetarian Dessert

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Coffee jelly is a popular dessert in many countries, known for its unique combination of coffee flavor and jelly texture. This recipe is a delicious and refreshing treat that is perfect for coffee lovers.

History

Coffee jelly originated in Japan and has since become a popular dessert in many Asian countries. It is often served in cafes and restaurants as a light and sweet treat to enjoy after a meal.

Ingredients

1 (1 oz) package unflavored gelatin
4 cups water, cold or lukewarm only
2 tbsp instant coffee
0.5 cup brown sugar
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12.8 oz) can table cream
3 tsp vanilla extract, optional
3-5 tsp creamer, optional
peppermint syrup, optional

How to prepare

In a saucepot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add coffee and sugar, and stir until dissolved.
In a large, fresh bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the remaining 1 cup of water and let it stand for about 1 minute or until the powder begins to bloom.
Gradually add 3 cups of boiling coffee and stir constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no granules are visible. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
Allow it to cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for about 2 to 3 hours or until fully set. Cut into 1-inch cubes and divide into serving cups.
In a bowl, combine condensed milk, table cream, creamer (optional), and vanilla extract (optional). Stir until well blended. Pour the mixture into the cups over the coffee jelly.
Serve cold and plain or with other desserts. Lightly drizzle with peppermint syrup, if desired.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or coffee liqueur for an adult version of coffee jelly.
Top with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for a decadent touch.
Experiment with different flavors of syrup, such as caramel or hazelnut, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to dissolve the gelatin completely to avoid any lumps in the jelly.

- Adjust the sweetness of the dessert by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste.

- For a stronger coffee flavor, use a higher quality instant coffee or espresso powder.

Serving Suggestions

Coffee jelly can be served on its own as a light and refreshing dessert, or paired with whipped cream or ice cream for a more indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect coffee jelly is to ensure that the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is allowed to set properly in the refrigerator.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use agar agar powder instead of gelatin for a vegetarian version of coffee jelly.

- Substitute regular milk for the condensed milk and table cream for a lighter version of the dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

Coffee jelly can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve coffee jelly in individual cups or glasses for a stylish presentation, and garnish with a sprig of mint or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Pairing Recommendations

Coffee jelly pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or espresso for a complete coffee-themed dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover coffee jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of coffee jelly contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of coffee jelly contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of coffee jelly contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of coffee jelly contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Coffee jelly is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy products and gelatin, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Coffee jelly is a sweet and creamy dessert that is relatively low in calories but contains moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Coffee jelly is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for coffee lovers. With its creamy texture and rich coffee flavor, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear in my heart. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious coffee jelly, a unique dessert that she learned to make from her grandmother in Italy.

As soon as I walked into Maria's kitchen, I was greeted by the rich aroma of coffee brewing on the stove. Maria had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a steaming cup of coffee and invited me to sit at the kitchen table. I watched in wonder as she carefully poured gelatin into the coffee, stirring it gently until it dissolved completely.

Maria explained to me that coffee jelly was a traditional Italian dessert that was often served at family gatherings and special occasions. She told me stories of her childhood, of how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen preparing this delectable treat for her and her siblings.

I was captivated by Maria's passion for cooking and her love for her family's heritage. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make coffee jelly myself. Maria graciously agreed to teach me her grandmother's recipe, passing down a piece of her family's history to me.

The process of making coffee jelly was surprisingly simple, yet it required patience and attention to detail. Maria showed me how to carefully mix the gelatin and coffee together, making sure to dissolve the gelatin completely to achieve the perfect texture.

As the coffee jelly began to set in the refrigerator, Maria shared with me some of her fondest memories of her grandmother. She told me how her grandmother would always say that cooking was a form of love, a way to show care and affection for those you shared your meals with.

I was touched by Maria's words and inspired by her dedication to preserving her family's traditions. I realized that cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about connecting with the past and creating lasting memories with loved ones.

After a few hours of waiting, the coffee jelly was finally ready to be served. Maria carefully sliced it into elegant squares and placed them on a beautiful platter. The jelly shimmered in the sunlight, a rich brown color that promised a burst of flavor with every bite.

I took a small piece of the coffee jelly and placed it on my tongue, savoring the smooth and creamy texture. The taste of coffee lingered on my taste buds, a comforting and familiar flavor that reminded me of lazy Sunday mornings and cozy conversations with loved ones.

As I enjoyed the coffee jelly with Maria, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of her friendship and the opportunity to learn this special recipe. I knew that I would cherish this memory for years to come, passing down the tradition of coffee jelly to future generations in my own family.

In that moment, I realized that cooking was not just a skill to be mastered, but a way to connect with others and create lasting bonds that would stand the test of time. And for that, I will always be grateful to Maria and her grandmother for teaching me the art of making coffee jelly.